With the rains not too far away, the state government banned thin plastic bags are back to choke the city as Citizen on Patrol Rehana Shaikh discovers.
In response to the July 26 floods that killed hundreds across the city two monsoons ago, the state government banned thin plastic bags that were clogging the city's drains. With the rains not too far away, these bags are back to choke the city as Citizen on Patrol Rehana Shaikh discovers.
Have we forgotten July 26, 2005?
Rehana Shaikh
After all the fuss over the Mithi River clean-up and efforts to clear drains clogged with plastic, I was shocked to see vendors using thin plastic bags which have be banned.
Everyone knows plastic is a major pollutant. It is difficult to recycle thin plastic bags and since they are not bio-degradable, they settle everywhere making the city look ugly. Most vendors I spoke to weren’t even aware that the thinner plastic bags were banned.
On behalf of the city, I wish to ask the authorities some questions.
*Are you aware that these bags are still circulating across the city?
*What is the government doing to spread awareness about the damage caused by plastic bags?
*What measures will be taken to teach the offenders a lesson?
*Why aren’t illegal manufactures of plastic bags arrested?
*Why make laws that can’t be implemented?
*Is there going to be a 26/7 yet again?
Instead of merely asking them to pay a fine, the government should educate vendors. Even consumers should be informed about the environmental implications of using thin plastic bags.
At some level, the consumer is to be blamed too. We demand plastic bags and, therefore, there is a need. Mumbaikars should make efforts to boycott the thin bags. Cloth or jute bags are the best alternative as they are reusable and durable.
Plastic-free zones may sound utopian but if we want to make a difference, a little effort and discipline comes handy.
(Rehana is an HR executive)
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